Dance Club Pick: Silence, Steampunk, Submission

Looking for something really different to do this weekend? Three interactive events go way beyond the usual dance-floor revelry. On Friday, headphones are the mandatory accessory at the Central, where DJ Motion Potion presents Silent Disco (a dance club with no public speakers). The mute concept has been done at music festivals around the world (Glastonbury, Bonnaroo), but it might make most sense in a more intimate venue where the sing-alongs and hand claps can be shared as one. Central, 1348 14th St., Santa Monica; Fri., March 4, centralsapc.com. Steampunk finery, wicked fantasy, gothic glamour ... all this and more will be on display at the Edwardian Ball. There is no official dress code, but half the fun is being part of the surreal atmosphere, so embellish away! Attractions include Edward Gorey's The Eleventh Episode enacted live onstage and performances by Cirque Berzerk, Jill Tracy with theremin maestro Armen Ra, and DJs Miz Margo, Delachaux and Xian. Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd.; Sat., March 5, edwardianball.com. An alternative to the likely-to-sell-out Ed Ball, Fetish Nation should be nearly as theatrical, if more aggro sound- and stylewise. "Dress to oppress" as FN administers "corporal punishment" for those who want it, plus go-go cops, prison guard grinders and an all-around-arresting atmosphere. Circus, 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd.; Sat., March 5, clubfetishnation.com.